Groundwater in Orange County contains radon, chloride, and PFOA that well owners need to know about. Chloride, lead, PFOA, PFOS, and radon all exceed EPA health standards in this county, making these serious concerns.
Radon seeps naturally from the carbonate rock beneath Orange County. Chloride enters groundwater from road salt spread on highways and local roads, especially near treated surfaces. PFOA comes from industrial use and manufacturing--it persists in the environment and moves into groundwater over time.
Groundwater in this county is moderately hard, driven by calcium and magnesium released from the carbonate rock. Slightly acidic rainwater dissolves these minerals as it moves through limestone and similar stone below the surface. Most wells in Orange County show moderate mineral levels, though individual wells vary based on depth and location.
Wells in Orange County commonly exceed EPA health standards for chloride, lead, PFOA, PFOS, and radon. Lead can harm children's brain development and damage kidneys in people of all ages. Radon is a radioactive gas that increases lung cancer risk when breathed over time. PFOA and PFOS are human-made chemicals linked to serious health effects. Chloride at high levels can affect people with certain health conditions.
Moderate iron in county wells can create reddish-brown staining on fixtures and laundry. You may notice a metallic taste in the water. Iron can also cause buildup inside pipes and appliances over time.
We recommend a comprehensive water test for metals, minerals, and radon since multiple contaminants exceed health standards in this county. Testing is the only way to know what is actually in your well so it can be properly treated. Every well is different--yours could have higher or lower levels than what is common here. A comprehensive panel typically costs $200-400. Treatment options like activated carbon filters and aeration systems can address these specific contaminants.
Not sure if your well is affected? Get certified results in 5–7 days.
Test Your Well Water with Tap Score →| Contaminant | Samples ⓘ | % Above MCL ⓘ | Distribution ⓘ | Confidence ⓘ | Risk ⓘ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radon | 27 | 37% | 44% · 18% · 37% | Moderate | High ⓘ |
| Chloride | 124 | 25% | 68% · 6% · 25% | High | High |
| PFOA ⓘ municipal | 118 | 11% | 87% · 2% · 11% | High | Moderate |
| PFOS ⓘ municipal | 118 | 3% | 97% · 0% · 3% | High |
Moderate
Elevated concentration, not % above limit
|
| Lead | 63 | 2% | 94% · 5% · 2% | Moderate | Low |
| Sulfate | 69 | 0% | 94% · 6% · 0% | Moderate | Low |
| Fluoride | 5 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Iron | 9 | 0% | 89% · 11% · 0% | Low | Low ⓘ |
| Uranium | 12 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Low |
| PFNA ⓘ municipal | 118 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Safe |
| HFPO-DA (GenX) ⓘ municipal | 118 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Safe |
| PFHxS ⓘ municipal | 118 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Low |
| Sodium | 94 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
| Manganese | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrate | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Nitrite | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Arsenic | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Hardness | 1 | — | — | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Fecal Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| Total Coliform | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| E. coli | 1 | 0% | 100% · 0% · 0% | Low | Safe ⓘ |
| PFBS ⓘ municipal | 118 | — | 100% · 0% · 0% | High | Low |
| pH | 17 | — | — | Moderate | Low |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA limit for public water; used as benchmark for private wells). Distribution shows % of sampled wells in each concentration band. Methodology.
Data shows potential risk — a certified test confirms whether your water is affected.
Order a Tap Score Test →Population-level CDC data. Not individual risk prediction.
Loading recent water news…